Alex Brennan

I am an experienced water sector specialist working at the intersection of hydraulic modelling and GIS automation. Since entering the sector in 2018, I have progressed from a graduate engineer to Senior Hydraulic Modeller and GIS Technical Lead, developing a proven track record of delivering complex flood risk data for everything from private drainage issues to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

My first forays into hydrology earned a nomination for the British Hydrological Society’s “Best Undergraduate Dissertation” award, where I modelled Natural Flood Management solutions in the River Eden Catchment. Today, I combine deep technical knowledge of ESTRY-TUFLOW with a passion for workflow automation. I specialize in building proprietary GIS tools that eliminate repetitive workflows, accelerate project delivery times, and eliminate human error across multi-disciplinary teams.

My goal is to deliver clear, actionable, sustainable solutions that move your project from the drawing board to reality.

How I can help you

• Overcoming Site Constraints: My technical expertise with GIS software unlocks the potential of spatial data to identify constraints and opportunities at an early stage, which translate into bespoke hydraulic model build elements unique to your project.
• NPPF-Compliant Assessments: I specialize in the preparation of Hydraulic Model Reports, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Surface Water Drainage Strategies that meet the exact requirements of National Planning Policy.
• Advanced Hydraulic Modeling: I build detailed 1D-2D models to accurately map flood extents and inform smarter master-planning decisions.
• Sustainable Drainage Design (SuDS): From rainwater planters to attenuation tanks, I design bespoke surface and foul water systems to manage water on-site effectively.

Expertise in action

• Large-Scale Sequential Testing (Beaconsfield): I developed an automated GIS workflow to compare fluvial and surface water flood extents at a district wide scale. Providing essential statistics for Sequential Test analysis and accompanying Maps for each site to be compared. I delivered a faster, more clear, concise and accurate Sequential Test analysis to benefit our client and aid planning decisions.
• Mixed-Use Residential/Commercial Development (Knowsley): I undertook large scale catchment modelling of rainfall events through urban areas and a large greenfield development site. Multiple watercourses, structures, and floodplain topographic features needed to be incorporated into the site specific modelling study to provide a more accurate representation of flood risk compared to the existing Environment Agency mapping. Flood extents were shown to be significantly reduced compared to the EA mapping.
• Energy Infrastructure: I adapted an existing Environment Agency model to a bespoke 1D-2D hydraulic model of the River Stour. Pre-development, post-development and mitigation scenario modelling was required to facilitate the planning application for a 42 MW solar farm on land near Parley Green on the northern side of the River Stour. Our model demonstrated a novel representation of Solar Panel Array structures in the floodplain which was approved by the EA, demonstrating that any increase in risk could be mitigated within the Site boundary. I subsequently presented the hydraulic model methods associated with solar panel structures at the 2024 TUFLOW conference.

A bit about me

In 2024 I approached Aegaea with the prospect of a sabbatical, I’m grateful that the opportunity was afforded to me. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail: 6 months and 2,650 miles spent walking from Mexico to Canada, immersed in the vast landscapes of the West Coast of America. This experience has shaped my perspectives and outlook on life, as well as my career goals and priorities. Pursuing creative interests, I documented my journey on 35mm film and self published my photographs and experiences.